A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Ghent for Nightlife, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stockholm or Ghent?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Stockholm is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also well known for Gamla Stan (the old town). Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ghent and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or Ghent?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Ghent.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Is the Food Better in Stockholm or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ghent. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a world class party destination. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Music?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Stockholm is a world class music destination. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Stockholm is revered around the world. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Ghent?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ghent and Stockholm.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Families?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Ghent are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

Is Stockholm or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Stockholm and Ghent.

Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Is Stockholm or Ghent a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Stockholm on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Ghent. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Ghent. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Stockholm or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Ghent?

Stockholm is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Ghent, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Ghent much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ghent would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ghent and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm than you might in Ghent.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stockholm Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Ghent?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Ghent, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Stockholm or Ghent?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stockholm or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Ghent. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stockholm is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 18°C (64°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Stockholm is much colder than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stockholm is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stockholm in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Ghent. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Stockholm during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In April, Stockholm is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 5°C (41°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Stockholm